Chronic pain and prescription drug abuse cost the U.S. more than $323 billion annually, according to a study by consulting firm Laffer Associates and the Millenium Research Institute reported in a news release.
The study proposes the increased use of urine drug tests to determine whether patients are taking their prescribed medication, additional medication or supplemental medication or illegal drugs or alcohol. The economic benefit of increased use could be as high as $25 billion — more than three times the cost of the testing itself. This study is the first cost-benefit analysis of UDT in the U.S.
"Our analysis of the data demonstrates a clear correlation between increased UDT and the probability that patients will adhere to their medications," said Wayne Winegarden, PhD, the principal investigator of this study and a principal at Laffer Associates.
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The study proposes the increased use of urine drug tests to determine whether patients are taking their prescribed medication, additional medication or supplemental medication or illegal drugs or alcohol. The economic benefit of increased use could be as high as $25 billion — more than three times the cost of the testing itself. This study is the first cost-benefit analysis of UDT in the U.S.
"Our analysis of the data demonstrates a clear correlation between increased UDT and the probability that patients will adhere to their medications," said Wayne Winegarden, PhD, the principal investigator of this study and a principal at Laffer Associates.
Related Stories About Opioids:
Opioids Linked to Pneumonia in Older Adults
New Guidelines on Opioids for Pain Show How to Avert Adverse Events
Study: 3-Fold Rise in Opioid-Related Deaths; Countermeasures Suggested